Boris Johnson announces details of England's 'freedom day' on 19th July and the scrapping of many Covid restrictions
BORIS Johnson revealed the next stages out of lockdown in a Downing Street press conference last night (Monday).
The Prime Minister will tear up current rules in a fortnight on 19th July if the situation with the pandemic does not worsen dramatically.
He said face masks would no longer be required in most settings, with social distancing rules removed for pubs and restaurants, and told people "to learn to live with the virus".
There will no longer be restrictions on the number of people inside and outside, and school bubbles will be removed.
The work-from-home rule will also be lifted.
Mr Johnson set out a five-point plan on easing restrictions, which included reopening nightclubs and letting people make their own choices.
He admitted a decision would be made on 12th July, but argued that delaying reducing restrictions until winter would work in favour of the virus.
The Prime Minister also explained there would be no one metre-plus rule in hospitality venues.
He said the working from home guidance will be dropped and workers can return to the office, if their employers permit.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned the government was being "reckless" by planning to remove so many restrictions at once as Covid-19 cases are rising nationally.
The opposition called for the retention of mask-wearing in shops and on public transport, as well as extra payments for people self-isolating.
The news of being allowed to ditch masks was welcomed by Conservative MP Helen Whately, the care minister, who told Sky News: “I, like others, have followed the guidance on when you should or shouldn’t wear them.
“We’re looking forward to not having to wear one in so many circumstances.
“We’re going to ask people to take personal responsibility on choices like that.
“Like many others, I can’t wait to not wear a mask, but I will be cautious and try to make the right judgements and follow guidance on this.”
